Water changes

[Socalx45]

So I was having problems with keeping my parameters steady so I decided to skip a couple of water changes and added kalkwasser to my ATO. This was a few months ago. I got my parameters where they should be and steady for a month then started doing my water changes (15-20%) every month.
The last 2 water changes my parameters were all out of whack. My alk, Ca, and mag were all low. After both water changes I had to again dose the next couple of days to bring them back up. I have a 125g mixed reef tank. I am using RODI water and red Sea pro salt. Also I mix it in a 55g container and let it sit for a day before the water change.

Is this common? Am I doing something wrong? It seems water changes on my tank are doing more harm then good.

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[RobZilla04]

Check your salt mix params to other brands. You may be diluting good values via water changes. Also check your mix salinity. Should be the same as the tank water obviously.

[homer1475]

Check your salt mix params to other brands. You may be diluting good values via water changes. Also check your mix salinity. Should be the same as the tank water obviously.

+1

I use whatever salt I can find the cheapest. After mixing I always test, and hand dose the batch to match my DT before a WC.

[Socalx45]

My salinity is always matched. Should I dose the new water??

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[homer1475]

Test it first.

Never add anything you can't or don't test for. Your DT parameters can vary greatly from your salt mix. And never trust what the bucket/bag says it's supposed to mix up to, test it yourself so you know what your WC is going to do to your parameters.

[homer1475]

You can also find a sticky in the chemistry section(I believe, but it could be reef discussion) that has a list of what some of the popular salts mix up to. Find one that's closets to what you keep your DT parameters at, and use that salt.

[Socalx45]

I know never add before test. But if my parameters are off in the new water then dose my new water before I do a water change?

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[homer1475]

exactly.